Poster Display
Plant-Insect Ecosystems
Ruben Alejandro Valverde
Biological Science Lab Technician
USDA-APHIS
Weslaco, Texas
Daniel Flores
Supervisory Entomologist
USDA-APHIS
Edinburg, Texas
The Brazilian peppertree (Schinus terebinthifolia) is a significant invasive species in the southern United States, particularly Florida and Texas, where it incurs substantial eradication costs. The absence of natural predators exacerbates its spread. Current biological control strategies involve Pseudophilothrips ichini, a thrip that feeds on the plant's flush. Effective mass rearing of these biocontrol agents requires an optimal food source. This study investigates the impact of various fertilizers on the growth and recovery of S. terebinthifolia across three developmental stages: germination, preproduction, and postproduction recovery. We evaluated the efficacy of organic low-concentration formulations targeting the plant's microbiome, standard NPK fertilizers, and all-purpose fertilizers. Key metrics such as leaf growth and branching were measured to determine the optimal fertilizer regimens at each stage. Preliminary data indicate that low-concentration organic fertilizers, such as fish emulsion, increase overall flush production by 230% compared to an 80% growth increase with our control. This enhanced plant growth supports increased thrip production.